Primary Education with Gaelic (MA Hons)

With a degree in Primary Education with Gaelic, you can become a teacher in Gaelic- or English-speaking primary schools. This programme is open to both fluent speakers and learners.

With a degree in Primary Education with Gaelic, you can become a teacher in Gaelic-medium primary schools. This programme is open to both fluent speakers and learners. 

The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life. As an official language of Scotland, Gaelic influences and shapes our literature, music, art, festivals and, of course, education. 

This might be the programme for you, if you: 

  • are enthusiastic and thoughtful 
  • have experience working with children in educational settings 
  • have a strong academic profile and an interest and aptitude for languages 
  • want to learn Gaelic, or are a fluent speaker who wants to consolidate your language learning 
  • have thought about how we learn and teach, and the important role schools play in today's society 

How to apply

Visit UCAS for detailed entry requirements, fees, and to apply. 

Why study Primary Education with Gaelic at Edinburgh?

Moray House is one of the top schools in the world for education-related subjects. Our award-winning staff produce confident, skilful teachers who can change the lives of children and young people. 

Learn more about our rankings and reputation 

This is also the only programme of its kind in Scotland that is open to students with no background in Gaelic. Students on the Learners strand will learn Gaelic during their time on the programme.  

We developed this programme to help address the shortage of Gaelic teachers. It offers two key, unique features: 

  • a year-long placement in a Gaelic-Medium primary school setting 
  • dedicated courses on bilingualism and bilingual education, with a focus on Gaelic and Scotland 

All students taking Primary Education with Gaelic also receive a £1,000 grant from Bòrd na Gàidhlig. 

There are links with the Celtic department where I was able to study the history and cultural aspects of my language.

Kirsty Gillanders Primary Education with Gaelic graduate

You'll graduate with an internationally recognised teaching qualification. You'll be able to teach in both Gaelic and English-medium primary schools, greatly expanding your career opportunities. Eligible graduates may also join the Teacher Induction Scheme. This is a paid one-year induction post in a Scottish primary school. 

Moray House has close ties with the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. This allows our students to further explore Gaelic language and culture. 

During your time at Edinburgh, you can enjoy the city's vibrant Gaelic community and cultural scene. You'll find: 

  • Gaelic conversation groups 
  • fèisean for performers 
  • an annual festival, Seachdain na Gàidhlig 

Entry requirements

We encourage applicants to gain some experience working with primary-aged children.  

Admission to our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes is subject to GTCS guidelines regarding child protection and police checks. GTCS requires the University to carry out these checks prior to enrolment on the programme. The College Admissions office will send you details of the procedures and forms for completion when you have received an offer of a place.   

MA Primary Education with Gaelic (Fluent Speakers)

Students must have obtained a Higher in Gàidhlig or Gaelic. You can find more information about entry requirements on our degree finder.

Programme details

Programme fees and funding

MA Primary Education with Gaelic (Learners)

Students do not need to have any previous knowledge of Gaelic when they begin their studies. You will learn the language as part of the programme. 

You can find more information about entry requirements on our degree finder. 

Programme details

Programme fees and funding

Structure

The programme is four years for Fluent Speakers and five years for Learners. 

In years 1 and 2, students take courses in Gaelic language and linguistics, educational studies, and primary education. 

From year 3 on, students take specialist courses on Gaelic education, bilingualism, and bilingual education. Students on the Learners programme have an immersion year at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig to consolidate their Gaelic skills. 

University-based learning for all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes place at our Holyrood campus. All students must be able to regularly travel to campus for in-person teaching. 

Professional placements

All students complete a year-long placement in a Gaelic-medium primary school. This allows students to become authentic members of the school community. Placement is in year 3 for Fluent Speakers and year 4 for Learners. 

Schools, local authorities and universities work together to allocate your placement in a Gaelic-medium school. The University does not permit students to arrange their own placements. 

Once notified of their placement school, students must find a place to live that will allow them to commute to the school each day. SPS can place students in any Gaelic-medium school in Scotland, barring exceptional circumstances. 

Accreditation

This is a General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)-accredited programme. Students will be able to teach in English-medium and Gaelic-medium schools. 

After graduating, all UK students can register with the GTCS as provisionally qualified teachers. Eligible students are guaranteed a one-year induction post in a Scottish school. 

Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS)

Graduates from Scotland and other parts of the UK (RUK) are eligible to join the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS). 

Participation in the TIS is not compulsory. A less-structured Flexible Route is also available. 

International students  

International students may also follow the Flexible Route to complete probationary service. This is only open to students who can remain in Scotland after they complete their studies. 

Students from overseas can apply for a Graduate Visa on the successful completion of the programme. Please visit the University’s Graduate Visa page for more information. 

Graduate visa information  

It's important to note with a Graduate Visa beginner teachers must use the Flexible Route for their probationary year in order to teach in Scotland. Those using the Flexible Route are responsible for finding their own employment for their probationary year. 

More information on the Flexible Route  

Our students

Kirsty Gillanders, a Primary Education with Gaelic graduate, talks about her time on the programme and what everyone who's thinking of applying should know.

Read Kirsty's story

Kirsty Gillanders

Place2Be partnership

We have a unique partnership with Place2Be, a charity that focuses on children's mental health. Working with Place2Be, we provide our student teachers with mental health resources and support. A Place2Be clinician helps our student teachers develop emotional resilience and understanding of mental health for themselves and children.

Learn more about the Place2Be partnership and how it benefits our student teachers

Contact the Primary Education with Gaelic team / Fios thugainn

Questions about your application or how to apply

For enquiries about your application or how to apply, contact the Undergraduate Admissions office.

Undergraduate Admissions Office

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Contact details

Address

The University of Edinburgh
57 George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9JU

Programme-specific questions

For programme-specific enquiries, contact the Programme Director.

Mona Wilson

Programme Director

  • Moray House School of Education and Sport

Contact details

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